AWHI Issue 1

AWHIATIHAU WHANGANUI INC. MAGAZINE IS

SUE

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Our History Part I - Where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

TOITŪ TE MANA

AGM ReviewTOITŪ TE WHENUA

AWHI Dairy Farm

TOITŪ TE TANGATA

Tira Hoe Waka

Looking after the Land- our environmental footprint

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Tēnā koutou

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our new bi-annual AWHI Magazine timed to be delivered to our shareholders and stakeholders halfway through the year and then again before the annual general meeting.

We are excited by this opportunity to present to you a collection of stories about our incorporation, our land, our people, our community.

This investment will become a cornerstone part of our communications plan to promote our business, our success, even our challenges, and to communicate to our shareholders a range of issues that we face as a Māori land incorporation and an Agri-business. We do this not only to demonstrate transparency but also to demonstrate how we are truly becoming the authors of our own destiny.

Within AWHI we have utilised our three strategic pou to present relevant stories that align to them namely Toitū te Mana, where we begin with our own story of development and regaining of authority, Toitū te Whenua, with stories about land use and Toitū te Tangata with profiles on developing our people.

We are also pleased to have on board advertisers from amongst our suppliers whose contribution will help towards the production of AWHI. We thank you for your endorsement.

Feel free to send us your thoughts, advice and recommendations on content. We can’t wait to include a letter to the editor section.

Hei konei rā

Mavis MullinsChairperson

TOITŪ TE MANA

02 OUR HISTORY PART I The journey of the vesting of

our land

05 ASSOCIATE DIRECTORSHIP

Establishment of new position to the Board

06 REVIEW OF AGM An overview of the annual meeting of shareholders

08 MAXIMISING OUR MANUKA

Diversifying our business to build new markets

TOITŪ TE WHENUA

10 AWHI DAIRY FARM BUSINESS

Introducing our new Farm Managers

12 SIWAN SHAW Profiling our Business Manager

13 LOOKING AFTER OUR WHENUA

Looking after our indigenous eco-systems

TOITŪ TE TANGATA

15 AWHI SCHOLARSHIPS Important criteria and information about the grant programme

17 AWHIWHENUA TRAINING

Reaching out for farming skills training

19 RAVENSDOWN SCHOLARSHIP VITAL FOR AGRI TALENT

Scholar Chris O’Donnell reports on his study

23 TIRA HOE WAKA Connecting to our ancestral

Whanganui Awa

CONTENTS2015

EDITOR’S PĀNUI

AWHI MAGAZINE

Editor Mavis MullinsCover Hikoi Te RiakiDeputy Editor Amokura PanohoCreative Director Kristy RamagePhotography Quentin BedwellGraphic Design iStudios Multimedia

ATIHAU WHANGANUI INCORPORATION

Postal PO Box 4035, Whanganui 4541, New ZealandPhysical 16 Bell Street, Whanganui4500, New Zealand Telephone +64 (6) 348 7213Fax +64 (6) 348 7482Email [email protected]

ISTUDIOS

77B Devon Street East, New Plymouth.Telephone +64 (6) 758 1863Email [email protected]

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02 TOITŪ TE MANA

ŌAWHI: HE WHENUA, HE TĀNGATA, HE KOPOREIHANAA background to AWHI – the Atihau Whanganui Incorporation

The story of the vesting and the journey from vesting

to incorporation to the current corporate organisation in 2015 is immense – too much for one article. Director Toni Waho presents this article, the first of a series of articles to be featured in each issue of AWHI, that gives a background to the vesting and a background to our whenua.

“Te mōrehu whenua, te mōrehu tangata” is the famous adage spoken by Taitoko Te Rangihiwinui in 1897 extolling the Minister of Native Affairs to care for the “remnants of the land and the remnants of the people.” What followed is the

Toni WahoDirector 2015

Contributors:Te Morehu Tangata, Te Morehu WhenuaThesis for completion of Master of Arts, by Esther Tinirau, Massey University, 2005

Block Narratives of the Whanganui DistrictPaula Berghan, 2003

Whanganui Land 1900 – 1970Tony Walzl, Crown Forestry Rental Trust, 2004

vesting of 115,000 acres into the care of the Government. In 1969, 101,000 acres of the vested lands were incorporated to form Atihau Whanganui Incorporation.

The Board of Directors will include a history section in our new AWHI magazine. The story of the vesting and the journey from vesting to incorporation, to the current corporate organisation in 2015, is immense – too much for one article.

This, our first article, gives a background to the vesting and a background to our whenua – our land. Esther Tinirau’s 2005 Master’s

Displaying heirloom feather cloaks and traditional weapons, the members of the Aotea Māori Land Council posed for this portrait in the early 1900s. It was one of seven land councils set up in 1900. Five years later they were replaced by land boards with reduced Māori membership. (Source http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/36544/aotea-maori-land-council) with permission from Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero Reference: 3-A11992

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thesis describes how Whanganui rangatira had tried to stop the tidal wave of land sales during the mid to late 1800s. Our ancestors held hui, wrote petitions, travelled to Wellington in attempts to protect their lands from acquisition by the Crown. By the late 1800s most of the land in the Whanganui rohe had been sold.

Māori leaders had been unanimous in asking the Crown to cease the purchase of Native Lands and ensure that the adjudication, management and administration of the remnant of their lands be vested in controlling councils, boards or committees composed of representative Māori.

And so, in 1897, when Native Minister James Carroll met with Whanganui Māori at the Moutoa Gardens “to dscuss the best method to be adopted to assist [the] people and to preserve the remnant of their lands for the benefit of future generations,” Taitoko said, “E Timi, te morehu tangata, te morehu whenua ki a koe.” (To you, James, I leave the remnants of the people, and the remnants of the land). Within the year, Taitoko passed away. Whanganui Māori appealed to the Premier and Carroll that land-buying cease.

The Government then passed the Maori Lands Administration Act 1900. Māori were able to voluntarily vest land in councils of 5 to 7 members for leasing.

The Aotea Māori Land Council was established whereby the Crown and Māori of the district appointed the members. The majority of the Aotea Māori Land Council were Māori.

Whanganui acknowledged the passing of the 1900 Act by vesting 115,000 acres in the care of the Government-appointed and Māori-elected Aotea Māori Council. The

Māori members of the Council were Rū Reweti, Taraua Marumaru, Takarangi Metekingi, Waata Wiremu Hipango and Te Aohau Nikitini. There were two Pākehā members who were both judges of the Native Land Court. Judge Johnstone was president and Mr T. W. Fisher was an ordinary member.

Later the Government changed the councils to boards, giving Pākehā the majority. Mr T. W. Fisher became the president of the Aotea Māori Land Board, with Mr Lundius and Takarangi Metekingi as ordinary members, all chosen by the Government.

The role of the Board was to decide what would happen with our ancestors’ 115,000 acres. There was no money given to run the Board. All income derived from the land paid for the administration. Ultimately the Board’s function was to determine who would lease the land and for how much under the “Glasgow” lease regime. These were perpetually renewable leases with 21-year rent reviews, with rental set at 5% of unimproved value. The improvements on the land were developed, owned and managed by the lessee. The Board had the power to resume land from lessees who wanted to vacate their land or

whose leases the Board wanted to take back. Tinirau (20152005) states it bluntly, “the reality was that the Board had no intention to resume the land nor were the lessees going to vacate - Evidenced by the numerous attempts over the years by lessees and government officials to turn the leases into perpetual ones! This really is a story in itself with respect to our resilience over generations, inherited legacy, and continuity of leadership.”

The legislation guaranteed lessees would be compensated the value of the development of the land, from the bare land up. Our ancestors were not happy about that situation.

Ngā Whenua:

So which were the land blocks that were vested that became the lands of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation and what do we know about them? Paula Berghan (2003) and Tony Walzl (2004) each wrote a report for the Waitangi Tribunal. Their research reveals the hapū, tūpuna and significant aspects of our whenua as it was when it was presented to the Native (later Māori) Land Court. These are some of the descriptions of our whenua taken from their reports.

Photo: Te Āti Hau Trust Chairperson Toni Waho at Ngā Mokai Marae

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The block Ētehi korero – some descriptionsMorikau 2 The original Morikau block was 27,722 acres but the amount vested was 12,000 acres. The

principal ancestors and hapū they created were:

Tamakehu: Ngāti Kuramate, Ngāti Hinepuke, Ngāti Tamangaupare;

Tamawhata: Ngāti Tamawhango, Ngāti Toki, Ngāti Taongamawhiti, Ngāti Pounamuriki, Ngāti Tamatautahi;

Tamaromia: Ngāti Whakararu, Ngāti Hinerauiri.Ohotu 1C2Ohotu 1A2BOhotu 1BOhotu 2Ohotu 3

Ohotū is 80,000 acres. Tūtapu is the principal ancestor. Ohotu 1-5 were awarded to Ngāti (sic) Poutama (Ngā Poutama).

Ohotu 8 The Ngāti Rangi portion of OhotūOtiranui 2 The descendants of RangitawheaoOtiranui 3 The descendants of RangiwhareuaPaetawa APaetawa BPaetawa C

All the Paetawa blocks totalling 3,350 or so acres were vested. The researchers do not name the ancestors or hapū, but the Board understands the connection is to Ngāti Tuera of Pungarehu.

Raetihi 3B2BRaetihi 4B and 3A

The 17,300 acre Raetihi block was hotly contested eventually being awarded jointly to descendants of Ngāti Tara (of Tamakana), of Ngāti Kahuiparera (from Rānana), and Ngāti Tamatautahi. The Crown acquired 3,363 acres. The vested blocks came from Raetihi 3 and 4, which totalled 7,000 acres.

Retaruke 1Retaruke 2Retaruke 4C

Ngāti Tamakana, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Rongonui are the hapū of the 20,500 acre original block.

Tauakira 2FTauakira 2HTauakira 2JTauakira 2KTauakira 2LTauakira 2M6Tauakira 2VTauakira 2WTauakira 2XTauakira 2YTauakira 2ZTauakira 2AATauakira 2BBTauakira 2CCTauakira 2DDTauakira 2EETauakira 2FFTauakira 2GG

Originally 50,000 acres, several hapū laid claim to the block:

Kahukura, Uenuku, Pāmoana, Tako te Hau, Taonga Muru Mau.

Waharangi 1Waharangi 2Waharangi 3Waharangi 5

Originally 16,151 acres, the Wharangi block had several ancestors:

Hinehawera, Tūmōkai, Rangitatau, Tūwhakaata, Rapa, Taikimihia, Tiko, Te Wakapaeroa, Pito, Hikaeroa and others.

In the next issue of AWHI we will look at what happened to the lands that were vested into the care of the Crown and eventually incorporated as Atihau Whanganui.

ATIH

AU-WHANGANUI

INCORPORATION

Toi tu te whenua

05TOITŪ TE MANAph. 06 349 0091

www.wanganuiinsurance.co.nz

COMING TO YOUR PLACE SINCE 1983

Suite 14, Wicksteed Terrace, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui 4500 | PO Box 4145 Wanganui 4541 [email protected]

YOU CAN’T MILK A COW OR SHEAR A SHEEP ON THE PHONE SO WHY

DO YOUR INSURANCE ON IT!

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORSHIPIn the 1980’s Atihau Whanganui Incorporation had an associate director program in place to provide a pathway for those without governance experience to become directors. Some of the current board members started their governance careers with AWHI as associate directors. The original associated program had since been disestablished however the board is pleased to announce that an associate director position is being reinstated.

The purpose of this position is to provide a safe environment for whānau to develop governance experience so that they are better prepared for future governance roles. The position will also bring diversity to the AWHI board.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a shareholder or beneficiary of a shareholder,

• Must have tertiary qualifications or expertise and skills of a senior nature,

• Need to be available to participate in a meaningful manner,

• Must comply with all other best practice governor requirements.

If you believe you have what it takes to be a future leader at AWHI, apply by sending a C.V and cover letter to [email protected]

ph. 06 349 0091

www.wanganuiinsurance.co.nz

COMING TO YOUR PLACE SINCE 1983

Suite 14, Wicksteed Terrace, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui 4500 | PO Box 4145 Wanganui 4541 [email protected]

YOU CAN’T MILK A COW OR SHEAR A SHEEP ON THE PHONE SO WHY

DO YOUR INSURANCE ON IT!

ATIH

AU-WHANGANUI

INCORPORATION

Toi tu te whenua

Applications close 3 July 2015

06 TOITŪ TE MANA

the large audience to hear them. Awhiwhenua representative Hikoi Te Riaki (refer page 17) thanked the shareholders for their support and briefly spoke on the value of their investment in the programme.

Te Āti Hau Trust report also focused on how they were developing opportunities to provide a mechanism for engagement and interaction of previous grant scholars with their intention to establish a Te Āti Hau Trust Alumni. An emphasis will be placed on updating the database of education grant/scholarship recipients with the Trust exploring a range of opportunities over the 2015 year.

Mavis also promoted to the meeting the establishment of an Associate Director role that will be appointed during 2015 as another new initiative for improving engagement and encouraging new thinking into the Incorporation. She encouraged people present to promote the opportunity and for potential candidates to see it as a way to build their profile and experience should they have aspirations to

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OVERVIEWOn Friday 5 December 2014 the Annual General Meeting of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation was hosted at the Whanganui Racecourse with approximately 700 shareholders in attendance.

Chairperson Mavis Mullins says that she is constantly

overwhelmed by the commitment shareholders demonstrate by their participation in the annual event with many travelling long distances to attend.

“I guess it is the one time when they can come and see and hear for themselves what is happening with the incorporation, to get a sense of the many interesting opportunities and challenges we face as a Māori Agri-business. And of course they are not shy in letting us know if they think we need to be better at explaining our decisions.”

The day’s proceedings covered the Committee of Management’s Better by Strategy programme related to diversification options. After being introduced newly appointed Chief Executive Andrew Beijeman was able to give the audience a picture on how this strategy is having a positive impact on the business as well as covering other important aspects of the farming business.

One of the year-on-year challenges facing the Incorporation is the

ongoing management of unclaimed dividends. This was mooted at the annual general meeting as needing a more systematic strategy to mitigate the associated risks and costs.

The annual general meeting was also advised of the Incorporation’s intention to improve their communications through a digital strategy that will result in more use of social media, the website and a bi-annual publication.

“We think we need to get better at sharing our story amongst our shareholders and stakeholders”, advised Mavis. “We have some incredible things happening on our land and we want to recognise the great people who are involved with our Incorporation, from the shareholders, the staff right through to our grant recipients.”

Promoting the participation of rangatahi at the annual event was also evident with members of the Awhiwhenua Farm Training Course volunteering their time to assist with the day’s programme, moving around the room to ensure speakers from the floor had microphones for

07TOITŪ TE MANA

taking a leadership role with the incorporation in the future.

Elections of trustees rounded up the day’s proceedings with five excellent candidates vying for two vacancies.

“This to me is a really great signal that our people who have a particular skill set to present to the incorporation are willing to put their hands up and showcase their interest. We had an impressive team of people to select from at this election and expect that to continue, ” said Mavis.

The election result saw Toni Waho and Che Wilson reappointed. Full elections results are available on the website:http://www.atihau.com/news.html

“ We have some incredible things happening on our land and we want to recognise the great people who are involved with our Incorporation, from the shareholders, the staff right through to our grant recipients. ”

Centre: Members of the Williams whānau who travelled from as far as Ashburton, Otaki and Levin

Bottom: Left to right - Charmaine Puru, Turuhira (Toots) Mohi and Agnes Tomlinson

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MAXIMISING OUR MANUKATiwha Puketapu, AWHI board representative on the Mīere Coalition reports on the value of membership and the recent visit to China.

There are large tracks of mānuka on AWHI lands. In a past

life, mānuka was merely scrub that needed to be removed. I’m sure many of our shareholders can recall stories about how mānuka was cut down to make way for pasture and of course to provide fuel for heating the hāngi stones.

Today however, the life of mānuka has a different story. We now see economic and employment opportunities from the use of our land to produce honey from the flowers of mānuka stands covering a fair amount of Māori land from the mountain to the sea. In essence, we support the world of the bee and the bee in turn supports us.

AWHI, like many other Māori landowners in the Whanganui river area, is appreciating the value of working with a knowledgeable beekeeper. Since 2012, AWHI has worked with the field staff from Watson and Son Ltd. We started with a thousand beehives and now we have over three thousand five hundred hives at different sites on Atihau land blocks.

It wasn’t long before we wanted to find out more about the honey industry and to better understand the economic value of the honey being produced from Atihau lands. As a result AWHI joined the Mīere Coalition which was established to

help Māori become active players in the mānuka honey industry.

Being part of the coalition allows us to look at landowner interests and relationships with beekeepers, the honey industry in general, the size of the honey industry footprint in New Zealand and our involvement as landowners, beekeepers, investors, honey extractors and marketers.

While bush, clover and other honey varieties are options for consideration the insatiable demand around the world for mānuka honey has supported a strong and sustained price lift. It is not unusual for a consumer to pay a high premium for mānuka honey from a reputable and trust-worthy supplier that can prove their product is the real thing.

The science community has shown that mānuka honey has a value well beyond just a breakfast spread for toast. Indeed, some countries treat honey not so much a food but more so as a health product. Asian communities are keen on mānuka honey as a supplement for maintaining good health and there is just as much demand to draw on its healing properties.

Last year, AWHI was invited to participate with the Mīere Coalition Asia Trade Mission. We joined the mission group of Māori landowners, beekeepers, traders and investors

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and with the support of Poutama Trust, the Callaghan Research Institute, Plant and Food and NZTE meetings and visits were arranged in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Shanghai, China where we were able to appreciate the business and market subtleties in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and China. A key message was to recognise that each country has its own way of doing things. While the way business is conducted may be different, it is important to understand and thoughtfully consider how best to engage appropriately before entering these markets.

Another insight was about our Foreign Trade Agreements (FTA) with Asian Countries such as China and Taiwan. There are issues and challenges but also opportunity for

the future. For example, our FTA with Taiwan is expected to reduce and eliminate the tariff on honey between now and 2017. Given that Taiwan has a population of over 23 million and there are concerns about quality and traceability of product the opportunity for Māori landowners to collaborate and produce honey from Māori land for the Taiwanese markets is significant.

However, the scale and investment needed to participate well in these markets does invite Māori landowner entities – our incorporations and land trusts from the mountain to the sea - to consider how working together might be better than working alone? AWHI continues to build and maintain good relationships with other Māori landowners and

others with business interest in the honey industry. Central to this, is the relationship AWHI shares with Watson and Son Ltd. Our discussions with Watson and Son Ltd about where the industry is heading and the increasing focus on the pharmaceutical uses of mānuka have assisted AWHI to understand and consider future possibilities.

As a result of our relationship with Watson and Son Ltd and the insights gained from the Mīere Coalition mission to Asia, we are encouraged to learn more about the honey potential of our land and to consider the kind of business relationships that will optimise the value from our honey supply.

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The unit is 490ha in size of which 410ha is milked off with the

remained used for dairy support. The farm has a 44 aside herringbone milking shed and a herd of 750 cows.

Since 2006 it has been successfully converted into a fully operational dairy unit with recent recruits Graham Sorensen and Lisa Hicks entering into a contract milking arrangement with AWHI in June 2014.

When AWHI visited earlier this year, both Graham and Lisa were busy working during the afternoon milking but stopped long enough to share some insights about their time on the farm. Having come from running a 50/50 Share milking unit for four years in Rongotea, Palmerston North, the couple are keen to bring their experience into the roles.

Graham grew up on a dairy farm in Pongaroa, Paihiatua with his family

and knows well the potential of the farm.

“Since we’ve been here we have focused on improving cow health, by reducing SCC (somatic cell count) and we are pleased to say that we don’t have a lame herd at present with no mastitis cows”, advised Graham.

Lisa, born and bred in Hastings, agrees and puts it down to having three milkers in the shed at all times to ensure there is no teat damage and making sure that when they are getting the cows into the shed they are not pushing or stressing them.

“It does have an effect on the quality of the milk and increased production”, Lisa adds.

With Lisa’s son Andrew working fulltime alongside Lisa and Graham, casual farm staff are also employed enabling them to have the hands needed during milking.

Another area Graham points out as being an area of focus is farm development, in particular investment into improving farm infrastructure.

Some of the developments to date have included repairs to the water system, improvement to the effluent system as well as tidying up the presentation of the farm.

Given the proximity of the farm to the Horopito Tourist walkway as well as the township of Ōhakune, a well-known tourist destination, the couple understands the importance of making the farm presentable as a means of enhancing the reputation of the incorporation.

“But it’s also got to produce positive results”, stated Graham. And it’s the year on year improvement plan says Graham that will make the dairy farm an ongoing profitable investment for the shareholders of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation.

AWHI DAIRY FARM BUSINESSMai I Mangāwhero ki Hapuawhenua-Raetihi Whenua

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“Ideally we would aim for better milk production by getting more milking days but this is limited because of the climate and the altitude. We would love to have in shed feeding, a herd home or standoff pad, as this would reduce pugging damage of the pastures,” said Lisa.

Pugging normally occurs during wet and stormy conditions when the soil is so soft due to water logging that the surface can no longer support the weight of grazing animals and hooves push into the soil. Given the proximity of the dairy farm to the Ruapehu mountain ranges this is a very real problem for the couple to overcome.

In the meantime more fencing and track work to access paddocks that can’t be used at present is underway, alongside of the laying of water bearing lines and provision of more troughs.

“As we said earlier our focus has been on the quality of our herd, so culling low producers and replacing them with better stock cows that convert from feed to milk better is one way to reduce our liabilities”, added Lisa.

dairy farm is on track to improve on last year’s production

“Initially we were well on track to produce 235,00kgMS this year but the summer’s dry conditions have revised that estimate down to 210,000kgMS,” says Siwan.

“Graham and Lisa have introduced a regime that has put in place better feed management, helped improve cow health and SCC down on last year as well. With one season under their belt this is a great sign for the future.”

Utilising what is available from the other AWHI farming units is also part of the improvement plan.

“With the beef & sheep stations planting out chicory in the summer as well as lucern we have access to quality protein feed for our stock that would traditionally have been an extra cost. It’s something we can take advantage of while we are working to utilise what is here to the best of our ability”, says Graham.

AWHI Business Manager Siwan Shaw supports Graham and Lisa’s endeavours by pointing out that the

Below: Graham Sorensen and Lisa HIcksLeft: Lisa’s son Andrew during milking

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Atihau Whanganui Incorporation has a small management team. Earlier this year AWHI visited

a number of the incorporation’s farms and spent some time with Siwan Shaw, AWHI Business Manager to find out more about herself and her role.

What was your background before coming to AWHI?

I was brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Wales and went on to study Agriculture at the University of Wales. I moved to New Zealand in 2004 and worked for a Fertiliser company as a Field Consultant in the King Country for 8 years prior to coming to AWHI. My husband Greg and I have 3 young children.

What brought you to the region, this job?

I was keen to become involved in a progressive farming business in an off farm role so when the Farm Services Manager position became available in 2012 I jumped at the opportunity. In 2014 I was promoted to Business Manager.

What does a normal day entail for you?

As a Business Manager I am responsible for developing Business Plans for each farm and making sure it is successfully implemented and that the production and financial targets are achieved.

I work closely with the farm managers to manage seasonal feed demand and supply so that both surpluses and deficits are managed effectively.

My time is shared between working at my computer in the Ōhakune office or out on farm assessing pasture covers, checking crops for weeds and pests, developing capital project amongst other things. So I really do get the best of both worlds!

We saw you in action in terms of talking around pasture growth - how do you get to know that information?

I run Farmax feed budgets for all the farms so this builds a picture of how we would expect the pasture growth curve to look like. This enables us to plan ahead and make proactive decisions.

At crucial times of the year I spend time on the farms assessing pasture covers. That process allows me to work with the farm managers to make decisions and

what that means for the wider Incorporation in terms of stock transfers between stations and stock available to sell.

What are your aspirations for the business?

To grow the business and optimise the production from the land area that we have to make it more profitable for the shareholders.

SIWAN SHAWInsights into the AWHI Team

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To protect a number of our indigenous eco-systems on

our land AWHI has in place a joint covenant with the government under Ngā Whenua Rāhui. Joe Martin, Horizons Regional Council Freshwater and Biodiversity Management Officer is contracted up to 800 hours per year to work with Ngā Whenua Rāhui and reports on the joint-management programme he is presenting working on with AWHI.

The Fund

Ngā Whenua Rāhui is a contestable Ministerial Fund established in 1991 to provide funding for the protection of indigenous ecosystems on Māori land. Its scope covers the full range of natural diversity originally present in the landscape.

LOOKING AFTER OUR WHENUA

The fund, administered by the Ngā Whenua Rāhui committee and serviced by the Department of Conservation receives an annual allocation of funds from the Government. The committee advises the Minister of Conservation on funding applications from iwi, the placing of a kawenata (covenant), and negotiates conditions. The kawenata is for 25 years after which further negotiation can be undertaken. Unlike the Native Heritage Fund, the criteria and mechanisms of Ngā Whenua Rāhui are geared towards the owners retaining tino rangatiratanga.

The Opportunity

In 2004 an approach was made to Atihau Whanganui to consider Ngā Whenua Rāhui to assist in fencing

and retiring bush remnants and wetlands. Approval to investigate and develop this opportunity was given and work has continued to this date.

At this time some 2200 h/a of bush remnants on Atihau Whanganui Incorporation land at 35 sites and 58h/a of wetlands at 10 sites have been placed under kawenata for a total cost of approximately $1.3m which was 100% funded by Ngā Whenua Rāhui. Fencing is continuing on 8 blocks on 4 stations and is due to be completed by the end of June 2015.

Re-vegetation with native species is also undertaken in degraded blocks. Proposals for work on the recently resumed Operiki and Te Kōwhai stations are being discussed and

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Rāhui for predator control to protect Kiwi in the Anini block on Pipiriki Road and control will commence in the near future.

In conclusion

Ngā Whenua Rāhui has created an atmosphere in which Māori can be involved in conservation on their own land.

The positive commitment by Atihau Whanganui Incorporation is to be applauded and I cannot overstate the improvement in all blocks during the past 11 years.

My ongoing relationship with Atihau Whanganui Incorporation and their managers is excellent and long may it continue.

could involve retiring some 700h/a on these blocks.

In respect to Land Management opportunities this fencing also allows native species to regenerate, and wetlands can then provide enhanced filtering and ecological enhancement. Bush block regeneration can lesser the erosion and sediment getting into waterways as well as improve the habitat for birds and invertebrates etc.

It also assists in stock management, lowers the mustering effort and provides a fence to run paddock subdivision fences off.

Plant and Pest Control

Ngā Whenua Rāhui funding is also assisting in plant and animal pest control with some $60,000 recently spent by contract goat cullers on Papahaua and Waipuna Stations. This work will continue on other Stations in the early spring.

Plant and Pest control will also be undertaken on 6 stations this season targeting mainly Barberry, Blackberry, Acacia, Contorta and Old Mans Beard at a cost of approximately $10,000.

Kiwi Recording has also been undertaken on Papahaua, Tawanui and Waipuna Stations with kiwi being identified on all blocks. Following advice from Kiwi for Kiwi Manager Morgan Cox (a BNZ initiative), we are considering the possibility of developing a Management plan for this area.

Further funding will be required to set up the predator infrastructure and to develop a Trapping plan/Predator Control plan.

Further recording work will be undertaken east of the Para Para to Karioi this season.

Funding of $120,000 has recently been approved by Ngā Whenua

15TOITŪ TE TANGATA

Te Āti Hau Trust established by the Atihau Whanganui Incorporation in 2010 utilises the Trust Fund for charitable, cultural, philanthropic, educational, recreational and other purposes deemed beneficial principally to the Shareholders and Stakeholders.

Guiding principles for the trustees to adhere to in relation to grant allocations were also established -

- Mātauranga - Education- Kotahitanga - Unity of Purpose- Manaakitanga - Nurture and reciprocate- Whanaungatanga - Collaboration- Rangatiratanga - Leadership- Wairuatanga - Spirituality- Mana Whenua - Responsibility to the land

and the people- Kaitiakitanga - Active Stewardship- Mana Tūpuna - Legitimacy- Te Reo - Identity

Five trustees are appointed to the Trust, three of which are persons who hold office as members of the Committee of Management (CoM) of AWHI and who are then elected by the CoM to the Trust. The CoM appoints an additional two trustees as independent trustees.

The trustees have established guidelines to support their decision-making as follows:

Eligibility

Applicants need to be a descendant of an Atihau Whanganui Incorporation shareholder who will be required to verify the relationship.

If the applicant is a beneficiary of a Trust or Estate that holds shares in Atihau Whanganui Incorporation a trustee or administrator will be required to verify status and eligibility.

Education Grant Criteria

There are ten categories that grants are awarded, the details of which are outlined on the application forms.

The amounts identified on the application forms are guidelines however the trustees have the discretion to award grants as they deem relevant and no amount listed is guaranteed.

If an applicant has received a grant previously then the trustees are likely to reduce the amount shown on the application form.

The trustees approach is to give every applicant a grant as long as the funds are available and the applicant meets the criteria.

Categories

Secondary School Grant – to encourage students to complete their secondary education

Undergraduate Qualification – to support tertiary students and includes industry trades

Ngā Muka o Te Reo – to enhance the retention of Atihau Whanganui reo and mita

Medical Degree Grant – to encourage Māori participation in health related careers including nursing

Post Graduate Qualification – to promote and support Masters and PhD Māori graduates

Overseas Scholarship – to support international study and research

Agricultural Scholarship – to promote and encourage Māori into the Agribusiness sector

Atihau Whanganui Incorporation Ohutu Undergraduate Scholarship – four scholarships are available

Atihau Whanganui Incorporation Robin Murphy-Peehi Post Graduate – two-year scholarship

Kāwana Pohe Scholarship for Musical Excellence – two-year scholarship for Musicians

AWHI SCHOLARSHIPS PURPOSE & CRITERIA

16 TOITŪ TE TANGATA

General Grant Criteria

The range of grants that have been approved under this criteria are wide and have ranged from national sports participation, international travel for sports or arts, kapa haka events, hui/wānanga, kaumātua housing and building facilities.

Each application is taken on its merits and judged in terms of the applicant’s contribution and the amount of money available to the Trust.

Where an application of a similar kind has been made the trustees treat the previous application as a precedent, however the trustees have given themselves the discretion not to be bound by previous decisions.

The purpose of the grant will also need to be aligned to how it will help the applicant to support their whānau, hapū and iwi.

If goods and services are to be purchased from the grant then quotes will need to be provided.

Reporting

Education Grants and General Grants successful applicants are required to submit a progress report on their study or project including a photograph for the AWHI database.

Te Āti Hau Trust is genuinely interested in knowing how the grant investment is adding value to the successful applicant as this helps support their decision-making that they must report on at each annual general meeting of shareholders.

2015 EDUCATION GRANTSCLOSING DATES FOR 2015

APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED AND DECIDED ON IN JULY AND OCTOBER

Eligibility Relationship of applicant to Atihau Whanganui IncorporationYou will need to get the person from whom you descend who is an Atihau shareholder to verify your relationship. If you are a beneficiary of a Trust or Estate that holds shares in Atihau Whanganui Incorporation you will need to get one of the Trustees or Administrators to verify your status and eligibility. If you are unsure whether you or your whānau are current shareholders in Atihau Whanganui Incorporation, please ring the Whanganui office and staff will happily check the share register for you.

Round 330 September

Round 230 June

17TOITŪ TE TANGATA

AWHIWHENUA TRAININGReaching out for Farming Skills

something on in me and I wanted to understand more. I was a practical hands-on type of learner so when I left Ruapehu College I sought the knowledge of our maunga, whenua, wai and the work done by our tūpuna. I gained my accreditation with Land Based Training and worked at what was then called Karioi Lamb fattening Unit now the Ohotu Station.”

Now as a field officer working for Land Based Training his focus is on growing a competent training provider that responds to the needs of Māori farming businesses.

“I joined Land Based Training because of the long history I had with them having been a student gaining my Agri accreditation. I

Hikoi explains that he grew up in that environment where his home was next to Te Ao Hou Marae at Aramoho.

“My father Peter Te Riaki and I with my brother Whare had the role of recording the kōrero of many hui held at the marae. Whare and I ran the microphones around and listened to what our kaumātua had to share about this block called Ātihau. Unknowing to me I was absorbing the kōrero of our people. Then our parents moved us up to Karioi and this move put reality to the kōrero I heard. I got to see what I had been hearing about at those hui.”

“From our home in Karioi I could now see Pah Hill and Ohotu Station and that reality switched

Atihau Whanganui Incorporation has a partnership

agreement with Industry Training Organisation (PTE) Land Based Training to deliver an Agriculture course to grow the quality of our workforce for the future. AWHI talks to Hikoi Te Riaki, who is a graduate from the PTE and is now providing pastoral care as the Field Officer for Awhiwhenua.

When the Awhiwhenua students attended the December 2014 annual general meeting of the incorporation, Hikoi got them to do what was natural to him. When anyone from the audience wanted to make a comment or ask a question, one of the students were on hand to give them a microphone so they could be heard.

Photo: Members of the Awhiwhenua Programme, Field Officer Hikoi Te Riaki, Rangihaereroa Mcleod, Shaquille Macdonnell, Te Āti Hau Trust chair Toni Waho, Jimmy-Ray Rapana Paul, Ngatoka Pakinga Manhire, Ngahuapai Mareikura Hemara.


family and mother Deborah Te Riaki living a stone’s throw away at Ti Paata.

“I believe in the kōrero of our olds, we must educate ourselves to understand and look after the taonga that our tūpuna fought to protect for the following generation, toitū te whenua 100% owned and 100% operated. In this is the challenge to our board of our Incorporation to hear the kōrero from our shareholders and do their best to deliver to. Our uri Māori kaitiaki will truly set the direction of survival into the future.”

2014 Student; Ngahuapai Mareikura Hemara - Completing Second Year Level 3 Dairy - Works on AWHI Dairy

2014 Student; Carlos Bushal - Te Kaahu Dairy - Completing Second Year Level 3 Dairy.

Hikoi points out that if the graduates aren’t working in the industry they found employment locally with the Department of Conservation, Winstone Pulp Saw Mill, Market Gardens and even the Army or they are continuing their education elsewhere.

Hikoi who is married with three children lives on his whānau kāinga at Ngaurukehu with his brother’s

personally have a passion to support our rangatahi to achieve as well as challenge them to seek solutions for themselves. Whether that is being in the old houses their tūpuna lived in or taking them to the wai sites that our people went to for many things. I believe our younger generations have a window of opportunity to grow solid from the foundations our people left for us. So I helped grow this course to help reach the bar set by our own.”

A collaboration between Te Āti Hau Charitable Trust and Land Based Training was redeveloped in 2012 with participation encouraged from the descendants of Atihau Whanganui Incorporated in order to deliver on the kōrero “Where are our faces in our business.”

Awhiwhenua is focused on a 120 credit Agri Level 3 course over a 44 week period for the First Year. There is an application and interview process for the eight student placements available.

Though each student isn’t promised employment with Atihau Whanganui Incorporation top students are supported and encouraged to further their education by doing Agriculture Level 3 Second year. However these second year students must have employment in the Agri sector to understand the course content.

Awhiwhenua students employed by the Incorporation to date:

2013 Student; Tipene Mareikura - Junior Shepherd on Ohotu Station- Has completed Second Year Level 3

2013 Student; Tarake Mareikura - Works on AWHI Dairy Unit - This year is completing Agri Level 4 Production Management

2014 Student; Shaquille Macdonnell - Junior Shepherd on Tohunga Station

Photo: Hikoi Te Riaki (Hapū Ngāti Tongaiti, Iwi Ngāti Rangi, Ātihaunui-a-Paparangi, Te Arawa, Ngā Tai, Ngapuhi)

19TOITŪ TE TANGATA

RAVENSDOWN SCHOLARSHIP VITAL FOR AGRI TALENTSam O’Donnell, recipient of the Atihau Ravensdown University Scholarship


Atihau Whanganui Incorporation are keen to establish strategic

relationships with their suppliers that can help build the capacity of the Incorporation. Sam O’Donnell, is the inaugural recipient of the 2014 Atihau Ravensdown university scholarship and he has provided AWHI with some background to his study and what he hopes to achieve.

I’m currently in my final year of studying a Bachelor of Agri Commerce with an international business major and a minor in economics. I grew up on a dairy farm and attended Wanganui Collegiate School before I decided to attend Massey University.

I chose Massey because it was close to home with fewer distractions than other places and because my father studied agriculture there. Massey also has a strong history in agricultural excellence was also a factor.

I have strong ties with Ātihau-nui-a-Paparangi and I hope to in future represent my iwi proudly.

After I complete my final year I hope to enter the agricultural industry so I can put to test the skills I have learnt during my time at Massey University.

The Ātihau Ravensdown scholarship of $5,000 per year has been extremely important to my time spent studying at university as it has eliminated the financial pressure that a student loan can have at the end of tertiary study, which I am extremely grateful for.

The scholarship has also allowed Atihau Whanganui Incorporation and Ravensdown to evaluate my intellect and personality, and to see my potential to add value to both organisations in the future. The scholarship has made me think differently on where my degree might take me in the near future and what kind of roles I might be able to fill at organisations such as Atihau Whanganui Incorporation or Ravensdown. It has made me think deeply on how I should present myself and approach work when I enter the professional scene.

In my time at university, I have studied a vast range of different agricultural sectors, such as dairy, sheep and beef, cash crops and venison, as well as horticultural sectors such as wine, fruit and vegetable production.

My major is in International Agribusiness so my studies have focused on how New Zealand agriculture performs on a global scale, how various markets interact, the effects of currency and seasons and how they impact New Zealand profitability, identifying potential opportunities in the form of new markets or technology for New Zealand producers etc. I believe these kinds of skills are vital to my career and in the future landscape as globalization continues at a rapid rate and New Zealand agriculture will need to adapt to a dynamic world agriculture industry to stay competitive and therefore survive.

My career goal is to make a substantial contribution to the agricultural industry in some way, shape or form, to reach my full potential as a professional and help others to achieve their potential also.

When it comes to work, I enjoy having a hands-on approach where I can have direct involvement in the work I am conducting and am not afraid of physical practical work as well as management work such as budgets, consultancy, on-farm assessments etc. I believe being directly involved in your work gives important perspective and insight that cannot be gained when you’re absent.

It is vital that both Atihau Whanganui Incorporation Ravensdown continues to support young talent looking to enter the industry because it is the quality of these young people that determine the quality of the agricultural industry in the years to come.

Many potential students that could serve New Zealand agriculture well are turned away due to the financial constraints of full time study, which is why scholarships play an important role in developing tomorrow’s leading professionals.

Ravensdown should view an investment in tertiary scholarships as an investment in the future success of New Zealand agriculture.

About RavensdownAs a farmer owned co-operative, Ravensdown exists to optimise soil fertility and farm profitability in a sustainable way for farmers who seek to lift their productivity and lower their environmental impact.

Beyond fertiliser, we provide nutrient management services, technical advice and essential farm inputs delivered how, where and when they are needed by our customers.

www.ravensdown.co.nz

Because you’re thinking about a degree in agriculture / horticulture, you know scoring $5,000 a year will go a long way to help. To win this scholarship from Atihau Whanganui Incorporation and Ravensdown for 2016, just scan the QR code for an application form or go to www.ravensdown.co.nz for more details.

The winner will also be offered paid holiday work with Ravensdown in a variety of roles to kickstart their career.

Get $5,000 a year

Applicants must be sons or daughters of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation shareholders.

A KICK

GIVE YOURFARMINGCAREER

Applicants for 2016 academic year must be received by 31 May 2015.



Get $5,000 a year


A KICK


Applicants for 2016 academic year must be received by 30 June 2015.

21TOITŪ TE TANGATA



Get $5,000 a year


A KICK


Applicants for 2016 academic year must be received by 31 May 2015.



Get $5,000 a year


A KICK


Applicants for 2016 academic year must be received by 30 June 2015.


AGRI-BUSINESS STALWART CLINCHES TOP MĀORI

BUSINESSWOMAN AWARDAWHI Chairperson Mullins recently received another accolade for

the work she does not only for the Incorporation but also in her many other directorship roles. AWHI applauds her success as highlighted

in a recent press release.

Prominent Hawke’s Bay businesswoman Mavis Mullins

MNZM has taken the inaugural top Māori businesswoman title at this year’s University of Auckland Business School Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Business Excellence Awards tonight.

The primary sector director who, alongside husband Koro, leads a 4th generation whānau business Paewai Mullins Shearing, has been selected for her significant achievement and success over a long career.

Ms Mullins heads the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre in the Wairarapa, is a founding patron of the Agri Women’s Development Trust, and a board member of both Global Women NZ and the Māori Spectrum Trust.

Chair of Atihau Whanganui – a beef, dairy and forestry Agri-business farming 200,000 stock in the Waimarino – Ms Mullins is a Treaty negotiator and received her MNZM for her services to the wool industry.

She has also been awarded two Māori sports administrator of the year titles for shearing and wool handling.

Associate Dean (Māori and Pacific Development) Dr Chellie Spiller says Ms Mullins is the perfect recipient for the inaugural award. “Mavis is very well-known in business circles both nationally and within Māoridom,” she says.

“She is a leading businesswoman in her own right, and offers a great starting point for this new award,

sponsored by Ngāti Whatua.”

Other winners this year are:

• Kingi Smiler – supreme businessperson of the year;

• Tainui Group – outstanding Māori business of the year;

• Ngarimu Blair – emerging Māori leader;

• Dr Ella Henry and Melanie Smith – Dame Mira Szaszy Alumni winners.

BNZ, Ngāti Whatua, Ngai Tahu, and Tahi sponsor the awards

(Ernst Young) and the Business School.

Photos courtesy of University of Auckland

23TOITŪ TE TANGATA

TIRA HOE WAKAAWHI reports on the

Whanganui Iwi wānanga that have been in operation since 1989 that enables descendants to travel and wānanga as a people along the length of their ancestral river from the mountain to the sea.

As a recipient of a general grant from Te Āti Hau Trust, Tira Hoe Waka wānanga joint coordinator Hayden Potaka speaks of the importance of their kaupapa.

“It’s a journey on the river in waka to experience the ways of our ancestors - to travel on the river and commune with the river. To understand the concept of our proverb - E rere kau mai te awa nui mai te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au. The river flows from the mountains to the sea, I am the river, the river is me.”

With fellow coordinator Hayden Turoa, their roles involve sorting out all of the logistics and resourcing required normally in January of every year, to take around 110 people along the river. This year that number swelled to 130.

Participants have to be over 12 years old and descendants of the tribes associated to the Whanganui River explains Hayden, with participants coming from all around the country sometimes from overseas.

“We have a ratio of about four groups of 30 with one captain per team and we are usually supported by between 30-40 roadies who have their own captain.”

“Normally the rangatahi are accompanied by their parent/s or guardian/s and we encourage the adults who participate to contribute to the kōrero about their association to the river, and for many they are also learning and making that re-connection.”

Given the kaupapa, alcohol and drugs are banned as the emphasis is on teaching rangatahi new learning and thought processes that reflect positively on their behaviour as a descendant of the tribe.

“That is an important criteria we stipulate and to ensure we can continue to receive sponsorship and

funding. We wouldn’t be able to do any of these wānanga without the kind of support that organisations such as Te Āti Hau Trust provide.”

That support is not just limited to funding advised Hayden.

“The great part of what Te Āti Hau Trust provides is that they not only give us a $10,000 grant to assist with costs, predominantly logistical costs, but they also provide meat to the marae that are hosting us along the river.”

Te Āti Hau Trust chair Toni Waho is proud of the support the Trust provides.

“I think it’s important that we can be practical in our support, but that we do it because we understand that it is a hīkoi wairua, it’s an annual event that is growing our cultural capacity,” says Toni.

“In doing so we all benefit as that sense of belonging by our younger generation ensures we can strengthen their connection to this region and by default their


contribution to the well-being of our community”.

Participants also help contribute to the costs and must have their own lifejackets that are checked by the organizers to ensure it meets safety standards.

Two and six man Canadian waka are the approved craft for the Tira Hoe Waka wānanga explained Hayden.

Kayaks are permitted however participants need to be mindful that they must carry all of their own equipment on board with them. Any other craft must gain the approval by the coordinators at least two months prior to the commencement date of the wānanga.

“Safety and associated costs are really important to the credibility of our kaupapa so when participants want to utilise or hire their own waka we make it quite clear that is a cost and responsibility they must carry themselves to get them to the various locations along the river route.”

The itinerary starts from Taumarunui with a pōwhiri at Ngapuwaiwaha Marae where the rōpū settle in for the night to hold the associated briefings, safety checks, and organising of groups and their captains. The associated tikanga to be used along the journey is reinforced by the karakia that is said at every departure and destination point along the route to protect and enhance the journey.

The first departure point for the first day on the river is from Ngāhuinga

to Ohinepare then on to Tawata where they stay at Poumaanu Marae. Two days later the journey on the river continues to Whitianga to camp for a couple of days. From there the Tira Hoe Waka continue to John Coull Campsite for an overnight stay before paddling to stay at Tieke Marae. Over the following six days the journey continues to Paraweka (Pipiriki), Ranana, Koriniti, Puangarehu, Kaiwhaiki and then the final destination Pūtiki.

“It’s an incredible experience”, admits Hayden who relishes the opportunity to participate each year.

“I know of previous participants who have returned to live in Whanganui because of what this kaupapa has opened them up to and they are now undertaking their own tourism ventures on the river.”

“Without a doubt this kaupapa fulfills the guiding principles of Te Āti Hau Trust and we look forward to their ongoing support”.

Photos courtesy of Tammy Davis, (Ngāti Rangi, Ātihaunui a Paparangi)

Page 21

The January 2015 intake in front of Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae, Taumaranui

Page 22

Top: Hemi Gray who is the Safety co-ordinator for Tira Hoe Waka

Left: Paddlers Bronte Karangaroa (Whanganui) and a young member of the Wellington based Patea whānau

Right: Father and son Keith Gray (front) with son Hemi Gray (back obscured) next to Tammy Davis.

Page 28

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tūpoho students in a waka navigated by Haydon Potaka enjoy the majestic views of the river

“I think it’s important that we can be practical in our support, but that we do it because we understand that it is a hikoi wairua, it’s an

annual event that is growing our cultural capacity...”- Toni Waho, Chair Te Āti Hau Trust

ATIH

AU-WHANGANUI

INCORPORATION

Toi tu te whenua

16 Bell Street, Whanganui 4500,

New Zealand

Postal AddressPO Box 4035

Whanganui 4540New Zealand

© ATIHAU-WHANGANUI INCORPORATION 2015

Documents

AWHI Issue 1